Hot tub and transportable hot tub system

ABSTRACT

A hot tub includes a body forming an interior area to be filled with water; a main section formed within the interior area; a secondary section partitioned off from the main section by a wall; and a drain extending from the main section and into the secondary section; the drain is to fill the secondary section from water within the main section.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to hot tub systems, and more specifically, to a hot tub with a main section and a secondary section for accommodating children or pets, or alternatively providing a compartment in which ice and beverages can be stored. In addition, the present invention is related to a transportable hot tub system with a moveable trailer.

2. Description of Related Art

Hot tub systems are well known in the art and are effective means to relax in the outdoors. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional hot tub 101 having a body 103 forming an interior area 105 with one or more seats 107. During use, one or more persons sit in interior area 105.

One of the problems commonly associated with hot tub 101 is lack of a reasonable area for children and/or pets. For example, it is common for users to want their pets and/or children to join them, however, the water is conventionally too deep in the interior area to make the hot tub safe.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of hot tubs, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a common hot tub system;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a hot tub in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the hot tub of FIG. 2 on a platform;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional sideview of the hot tub of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a transportable hot tub system in accordance with the present application;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top view of the transportable hot tub system of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views of an alternative embodiment of a trailer for use with the system of FIG. 5; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a deck locking mechanism as contemplated for use with the trailer of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional hot tub systems. Specifically, the present invention provides a hot tub having a partitioned secondary section to allow for easy use by pets or children. In addition, the present invention provides a transportable hot tub system allowing for use in alternate locations. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2-4 depict various views of a hot tub 201 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that hot tub 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional hot tubs.

In the contemplated embodiment, hot tub 201 includes a body 203 forming an interior area 205 and having a wall 207 partitioning a main section 209 from a secondary section 211. In the preferred emboidment, the secondary section 211 is configured to receive water from the main section, such as through a plug 301 with a cap 302. It should be appreciated that secondary section 211 provides a place for children or pets to enjoy the hot tub, or alternatively, a user can fill secondary section 211 with ice and beverages. In the preferred embodiment, secondary section 211 includes a bottom surface 401, having a shallow end and a deep end, however, it should be appreciated that the depth and configuration of the bottom surface can vary.

In some embodiments, hot tub 201 further includes one or more seats 305, and can further include a cushion 307, one or more adjustable jets 309, and one or more massage elements 403 to provide comfort to the user.

It should be appreciated that hot tub 201 can further include a plurality of features, such as one or more lights 311 and a thermometer 405, as well as any other known feature in the art. In addition, it should be understood, that hot tub 201 includes all necessary components, such as a pump, a power source, a heater, speakers, and the like, as is known and conventional in the art. In the preferred emboidment, a separate heat source 313 is incorporated into the secondary section 211, thereby providing the means to have a different temperatures between the main section and the secondary section. Further, the secondary section can have or lack other components, such as padding, jet streams, etc. Hot tub 201 can further include a second drain 315 connected to the secondary section to allow for the secondary section to be drained.

Hot tub 201 further includes a control panel 319, having controls such as temperature, audio, lights, etc. In the preferred emboidment, the control panel 319 can include a visual feature 321 such as lights, to clearly display temperature and the like.

In some embodiments, hot tub 201 is mounted on a rotating base 217 being connected to a motor 219, and a power source 221, thereby being configured to rotate, as shown with arrow A.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the partitioning of a secondary section, allowing for a convenient and safe area for children and/or pets to enjoy the hot tub. It should be appreciated that the shape and size of hot tub 201 can vary as aesthetical, functional, or manufacturing considerations require. It should further be appreciated that overall design of the hot tub reduces the weight of the tub by removing a large volume of water, thereby making the hot tub easier to fill and transport.

In FIG. 5, a transportable system 501 having a trailer 503 with hot tub 201 secured thereto it shown. This system allows for hot tub 201 to be moved to various locations easily, thereby providing a means for users to enjoy hot tub 201 at alternate locations, such as while camping. In this emboidment, trailer 503 can include a deck style platform 505, and have an extension 507 configured to provide a means to lengthen deck style platform 505. In one contemplated emboidment, the extension 507 is in sliding communication with platform 505, however, alternative means known in the art could be used.

In this system, a removable hitch 509 and a removable ramp 511 are contemplated for ease of use.

System 501 further includes one or more storage compartments 513 configured to be used to store items, such as towels and the like. The compartments 513 can include a lock 515 and can vary in size as desired. It should be appreciated that some compartments are positioned adjacent to the hot tub, where these adjacent compartments receive heat from the tub for the purpose of warming towels, blankets, and/or sleeping bags.

In addition, system 501 can include a cover system 502, wherein retractable arms 514 a-b can extend upwards to a desired height to create one of retractable awning 517, a hot tub cover, or a projector screen, depending on how the user desires to use the cover. The retractable arms 514 a-b can be adjustable via any means known in the art, such as a telescoping mechanism. It should further be appreciated that system 501 can include a mobile power source 519, such as a generator, batteries, solar power, fuel, or any alternative poser to power the various components of system 501. System 501 can include outlets, lights, seats, projector screens, speakers, and other various components for improved entertainment.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, system 501 is shown from a top view for clarity, wherein hitch 509 is shown removed and connected for clarity, and extension 507 is shown extended and retracted via rails 601. As further shown, electrical components 603 can be included to run the awning and extension by any conventional means known in the art.

It should be appreciated that system 501 is an all-inclusive recreational system, which can include additional items for customization, including fire pits, aesthetical structures, and the like. In addition, it should be appreciated that system 501 provide a means to transport additional items, such as ATVs on the platform. The platform 505 can easily be upgraded and used for adapted for accommodating tents, turf for golfing, yoga mats, flower pots, blow up mattresses, tables, hunting blinds, etc.

Another unique feature believed characteristic of the present application, is the securing of the hot tub to a moveable trailer, thereby providing a system that can easily be transported for outdoor entertainment.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, a simplified top view of an alternative embodiment of a trailer 701 is shown. It should be understood that trailer 701 can include all of the features discussed above, and the features discussed herein can be interchangeable. Trailer 701 includes a trailer body 703 having a plurality of deck elements 705 removably secured to the top of the body 703. It should be appreciated that the deck elements can be wood, synthetic material, or any other material, and can further vary in size. The deck elements 705 can be unlocked and removed from body 703 and stored, as shown in FIG. 7B. A storage compartment (not shown) can be built in to store the deck elements 705.

One contemplated locking mechanism is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, wherein the deck elements 801, 803 are configured to secure together.

Trailer 701 further includes an extension 707 pivotally attached to body 703 via an arm 709, wherein the extension 707 can extend outward to provide a place to set up a projector, a golf hole, or any other activity.

In some embodiments, the transportable system can be designed with aesthetically pleasing features, such as being in the shape of a vehicle with other visual representations of the vehicle. Further, the system can include features known in the art, such as the inclusion of charging docks, mirrors, water spouts, fridges, sinks, safes, grills, and the like. In addition, the trailer can further include street legal accessories, such as lights, and license plates, tie downs, etc.., and can further include illumination systems and wheelchair accessible ramps. In some embodiments, the street legal features are removable to provide for a more aesthetically pleasing system.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hot tub, comprising: a body forming an interior area to be filled with water; a main section formed within the interior area; a secondary section partitioned off from the main section by a wall; and a drain extending from the main section and into the secondary section; wherein the drain is configured to fill the secondary section from water within the main section.
 2. The hot tub of claim 1, further comprising: a seat positioned within the main section; and one or more adjustable jet streams.
 3. The hot tub of claim 1, further comprising: a thermostat within the main section; and one or more light features configured to illuminate the secondary section.
 4. The hot tub of claim 1, wherein the secondary compartment further comprises: a sloping bottom surface from a shallow area to a deep area.
 5. The hot tub of claim 1, further comprising: a rotating base on which the body sits; and a motor configured to rotate the body via the rotating base.
 6. A transportable hot tub system, comprising: the hot tub of claim 1; a transportable trailer on which the hot tub is secured; one or more storage compartments positioned on the transportable trailer and configured to receive items therein; and a walkway extending into the hot tub of claim 1, the walkway being sloped to provide an easy entry into the hot tub.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a trailer hitch assembly configured to removably secure to the transportable trailer.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a retractable awning configured to cover the hot tub.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a ramp configured to extend from a ground surface to the transportable trailer.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a rotating base positioned under the hot tub and secured to the transportable trailer.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a deck, having: a first section permanently integral with the transportable trailer; and a second section configured to extend from the first section to extend a length of the deck. 